California Could Run Out of Money by February

SAN FRANCISCO -- California's general fund revenues in November were $1.3 billion, or 18.5 percent below expectations, suggesting the government of the most populous U.S. state could run out of money as early as February, State Controller John Chiang said on Tuesday.

"November blew away even the most pessimistic estimates, with general fund revenue down $1.3 billion," Chiang said in a statement. "These receipts could expand our immediate cash problem by another half a billion dollars, with no recovery in sight."

"According to projections from last month, all general and special funds will be exhausted by March 2009 when the state runs more than $1.9 billion in the red," he added. "November actuals suggest the state could run out of money as early as February -- and face an even larger cash shortfall in March."

The government of California, the world's eighth largest economy, must contend with a $28 billion combined shortfall for the remainder of its current fiscal year and its next fiscal year, which begins in July.

The massive deficit reflects the strain on California's finances from its continuing housing slump, rising unemployment and weak consumer spending as slowdowns grip the state and national economies.

Tax collections in November from California's three biggest sources of revenue -- income, sales and corporate taxes -- were $1 billion below estimates, and insurance taxes were $305 million below forecast, according to Chiang's office.

Its report came a day after both chambers of California's legislature met in a rare joint session for a grim briefing from Chiang and other top state finance officials on the state's weakening finances.

In addition to the possibility it may soon deplete its cash, California's ability to issue debt to fund job-creating public works is at risk if the state budget shortfall is not closed, State Treasurer Bill Lockyer told lawmakers.

California is the biggest issuer of U.S. public debt. With its finances in disarray and credit markets in turmoil, the state in recent weeks has been unable to find institutional buyers for its public works debt so state loans for current and planned infrastructure projects may be cut off as early as next week, Lockyer said.

Last month Lockyer scaled back by two-thirds a state Department of Water Resources revenue bond deal for more than $500 million in debt because of weak institutional demand.

Michael Genest, director of California's Department of Finance, told lawmakers that fast action on the current gap will better position the state to balance its budget for its next fiscal year.

"Failure to act now would create a financial disaster," Genest said, noting that without a balanced budget the state would need to suspend $2.4 billion in payments in March.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has urged lawmakers to balance the state's books with deep spending cuts and new revenues, including cash from raising the state's sales tax.

SAN FRANCISCO -- California's general fund revenues in November were $1.3 billion, or 18.5 percent below expectations, suggesting the government of the most populous U.S. state could run out of money as early as February, State Controller John Chiang said on...